Soldier beetle

Chemically enhanced landscapes are still around, but they are in retreat and it’s fine by me. I have no soapbox (they make nice planters) and I prefer not to preach, but I will say that I’ve managed to maintain my current garden for more than 25 years without the use of pesticides and herbicides — at least, not with any that were toxic to the environment.

It’s brought me great satisfaction — and a few creaks and groans.

I’ve certainly had my share of pest problems, but apart from using soapy water to deal with persistent ones, I’ve left it to nature to take control, and nature does it rather well. Having a wide range of plants also makes problems far less obvious, unlike a lawn, which is a monoculture and can be annihilated overnight by just one species of insect (nematodes can help).

A variety of plants in my garden, including the vegetables and shrubs, attract a wide range of insects and that is part of the solution.

Among them are nature’s pest control crews, predatory insects that show up to deal with overpopulations of what we might call problem insects. They do a fine job, given the chance. The names of some must strike fear into the heart of caterpillars and aphids. I welcome them all — assassin bugs, soldier beetles, wolf spiders, and dragonflies, and countless more with less threatening names.

They will never totally eradicate pests — that’s not nature’s way. Wipe out a species and its nemesis will vanish, too, and then it won’t be around next time it’s needed. That’s the problem with pesticides; they make no distinction between pests and predators.

Pesticides also wipe out beneficial insects, particularly pollinators. These include bees, butterflies, moths, species of flies and yes, types of wasps, but not the kind that would ever bother a person. These are all essential creatures and without them food production will decline.

Pollination is required for about three-quarters of the world’s food crops, much of it accomplished by honey bees. But due to colony collapse, believed to be at least partly due to overuse of pesticides, there’s a realization that a single species under threat cannot be relied upon to accomplish the task.

These other pollinators are indispensable. Offer them sanctuary in your own garden by providing a welcoming habitat and you’ll be doing your bit for pollinators and for Earth Day. It’s isn’t difficult at all and the result will be a healthier garden and certainly an attractive one, and who doesn’t want to see butterflies flitting about?

Just one flower bed is a start. Include a few native plants, but there’s always room for your favourites. Plant in clumps rather than singly, and choose a variety of colours and flower shapes as some pollinators can be fussy. Add plants that bloom at different times throughout the season to ensure a steady supply of nectar and pollen. A small pond or other water source such as a bowl or bird bath will satisfy their need for moisture. Semi-submerged pebbles will allow them to perch.

Don’t make your garden too tidy. A welcoming habitat includes a degree of debris for those insects that like to overwinter close to their next meal. And of course, avoid the use of pesticides, including that big one — the boot.

Before you stomp on a bug, check its ID. It might be a good bug — and that includes spiders.

If helping pollinators inspires you to action, Pollination Guelph is the leading group in Ontario working toward the protection of pollinators and their habitat. Find them online at www.pollinator.ca/guelph/

David Hobson gardens in Waterloo and is happy to answer garden questions, preferably by email: garden@gto.net. Reach him by mail c/o Etcetera, The Record, 160 King St. E. Kitchener, Ont. N2G 4E5